1398 A Stone in the Wall: Extraction of an Embedded Choledocholithiasis in the Proximal CBD by Cholangioscopy

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Primary choledocholithiasis are stones formed in the common bile duct as opposed to secondary stones when they originate in the gallbladder and pass through. Symptomatic choledocholithiasis are usually managed by cholecystectomy but the CBD stones post cholecystectomy are not uncommon. The rate of recurrence of symptomatic CBD stone range from 4% to 24%. Having a stone impacted in the wall has never been reported before. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 74-year-old man with a history of cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis presented for one-year history or right upper quadrant colicky pain. He had recurrent CBD stones for four years before presentation. He underwent multiple endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy and stones removal multiple times. He had a CBD stent. Medical history is also relevant for atrial fibrillation on rivaroxaban and CAD on aspirin. Upon initial evaluation vitals were stable, physical examination was only relevant for RUQ abdominal tenderness. Imaging including computed tomography scan and an ultrasound revealed stable CBD dilation at 1.1 cm with no stones or intrahepatic biliary duct dilation. ERCP was performed with a cholangiogram showing multiple small filling defects in the CBD consistent with small stones. Sludge and stones were removed using a biliary stone extraction balloon. The duct was swept multiple times and no more stones were noted. The pain did not resolve. A repeat ERCP with a cholangioscopy using the spyglass system was performed. It revealed a normal CBD ductal walls, however closer to the bifurcation of the cystic duct, a small stone was noted; it was impacted in the wall. It was retrieved using a spyglass forceps. DISCUSSION: CBD stones are common after cholecystectomy. They are formed in the bile duct in situ and usually occur 12 months after surgery. Risk factors are the presence of multiple CBD stones and type 1 or 2 periampullary diverticulum. Cholangioscopy is sometimes needed as in our case to check for any stone that is impacted or left in the proximal common bile duct.